Emergence of rare and low abundant anaerobic gut Firmicutes is associated with a significant downfall of Klebsiella in human colon cancer.

Gut bacterial dysbiosis has been linked to several gastrointestinal diseases, including deadly colorectal cancer (CRC), a leading cause of mortality in cancer patients. However, perturbation in gut bacteriome during colon cancer (CC, devoid of colorectal malignancy) remains poorly explored. Here, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was carried out for fecal DNA samples targeted to hypervariable V3-V4 region by employing MiSeq platform to explore the gut bacterial community shift in CC patients. While alpha diversity indices predicted high species richness and diversity, beta diversity showed marked gut bacterial compositional dissimilarity in CC versus healthy controls (HC, n = 10 each). We observed a significant (p < 0.05, Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test) emergence of low-abundant anaerobic taxa, including Parvimonas and Peptostreptococcus, in addition to Subdoligranulum, Coprococcus, Holdemanella, Solobacterium, Bilophila, Blautia, Dorea, Moryella and several unidentified taxa, mainly affiliated to Firmicutes, in CC patients. In addition, we also traced the emergence of putative probiotic taxon Slackia, belonging to Actinomycetota, in CC patients. The emergence of anaerobic Firmicutes in CC is accompanied by a significant (p < 0.05) decline in the Klebsiella, as determined through linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) and heat tree analyses. Shifts in core microbiome and variation in network correlation were also witnessed. Taken together, this study highlighted a significant and consistent emergence of rare anaerobic Firmicutes suggesting possible anaerobiosis driving gut microbial community shift, which could be exploited in designing diagnostic and therapeutic tools targeted to CC.

Association Between Biofilm Formation and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Production in Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.

The presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in fresh fruits and vegetables is a growing public health concern. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between biofilm formation and extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) production in K. pneumoniae strains obtained from fresh fruits and vegetables. Out of 120 samples analysed, 94 samples (78%) were found to be positive for K. pneumoniae. Among the K. pneumoniae strains isolated, 74.5% were from vegetables, whereas the remaining (25.5%) were from fresh fruits. K. pneumoniae isolates were resistant to at least three different classes of antibiotics, with ceftazidime (90%) and cefotaxime (70%) showing the highest resistance rates. While the high occurrence of ESBL-producing and biofilm-forming K. pneumoniae strains were detected in vegetables (73.5% and 73.7%, respectively), considerable amounts of the same were also found in fresh fruits (26.5% and 26.3%, respectively). The results further showed a statistically significant (P < 0.001) association between biofilm formation and ESBL production in K. pneumoniae strains isolated from fresh fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, the majority (81%) of the ESBL-producing strains harbored the blaCTX-M gene, while a smaller proportion of strains carried the blaTEM gene (30%), blaSHV gene (11%) or blaOXA (8%). This study highlights the potential public health threat posed by K. pneumoniae in fresh fruits and vegetables and emphasizes the need for strict surveillance and control measures.

Neopusillimonas aromaticivorans sp. nov. isolated from poultry manure.

A polyphasic taxonomic approach was used to characterize a novel bacterium, designated strain CC-YST667T, isolated from poultry manure sampled in Taiwan. The cells were observed to be aerobic, motile and non-spore-forming rods, displaying positive reactions for oxidase. Optimal growth of CC-YST667T was observed at 25 °C, pH 8.0 and with 1 % (w/v) NaCl. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and multiple unidentified polar lipids. The major polyamine was spermidine. The major cellular fatty acids (>5 %) included C16 : 0, C17 : 0cyclo, C19 : 0cyclo ω8c and C14 : 0 3OH/iso-C16 : 1 I. On the basis of the results of analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, this isolate showed the closest phylogenetic relationship with 'Neopusillimonas minor' (with 98.2 % similarity) and Paralcaligenes ureilyticus (with 97.3 % similarity) of the family Alcaligenaceae. The draft genome, (3.3 Mb) with a DNA G+C content of 57.2 mol%, harboured various genes involved in the biodegradation of aromatic hydrocarbons. CC-YST667T shared highest orthologous average nucleotide identity (OrthoANI) with the type strains of species of of the genera Neopusillimonas (72.4‒77.9 %, n=2), Pusillimonas (72.8‒73.0 %, n=2) and Pollutimonas (71.7‒73.0 %, n=5). On the basis of its distinct phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic traits together with the results of comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing, OrthoANI, digital DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) and the phylogenomic placement, strain CC-YST667T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Neopusillimonas, for which the name Neopusillimonas aromaticivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-YST667T (=BCRC 81321T =JCM 34761T).

Genomic potential for inorganic carbon sequestration and xenobiotic degradation in marine bacterium Youngimonas vesicularis CC-AMW-ET affiliated to family Paracoccaceae.

Ecological studies on marine microbial communities largely focus on fundamental biogeochemical processes or the most abundant constituents, while minor biological fractions are frequently neglected. Youngimonas vesicularis CC-AMW-ET, isolated from coastal surface seawater in Taiwan, is an under-represented marine Paracoccaceae (earlier Rhodobacteraceae) member. The CC-AMW-ET genome was sequenced to gain deeper insights into its role in marine carbon and sulfur cycles. The draft genome (3.7 Mb) contained 63.6% GC, 3773 coding sequences and 51 RNAs, and displayed maximum relatedness (79.06%) to Thalassobius litoralis KU5D5T, a Roseobacteraceae member. While phototrophic genes were absent, genes encoding two distinct subunits of carbon monoxide dehydrogenases (CoxL, BMS/Form II and a novel form III; CoxM and CoxS), and proteins involved in HCO3- uptake and interconversion, and anaplerotic HCO3- fixation were found. In addition, a gene coding for ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO, form II), which fixes atmospheric CO2 was found in CC-AMW-ET. Genes for complete assimilatory sulfate reduction, sulfide oxidation (sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase, SqrA type) and dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) cleavage (DMSP lyase, DddL) were also identified. Furthermore, genes that degrade aromatic hydrocarbons such as quinate, salicylate, salicylate ester, p-hydroxybenzoate, catechol, gentisate, homogentisate, protocatechuate, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, N-heterocyclic aromatic compounds and aromatic amines were present. Thus, Youngimonas vesicularis CC-AMW-ET is a potential chemolithoautotroph equipped with genetic machinery for the metabolism of aromatics, and predicted to play crucial roles in the biogeochemical cycling of marine carbon and sulfur.

Description of Flavobacterium agricola sp. nov., an auxin producing bacterium isolated from paddy field.

An auxin-producing bacterial strain, CC-SYL302T, was isolated from paddy soil in Taiwan and identified using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The cells were observed to be aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming rods, and tested positive for catalase and oxidase. Produced carotenoid but flexirubin-type pigments were absent. Optimal growth of strain CC-SYL302T was observed at 25 °C, pH 7.0, and with 2% (w/v) NaCl present. Based on analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, it was determined that strain CC-SYL302T belongs to the genus Flavobacterium of the Flavobacteriaceae family. The closest known relatives of this strain are F. tangerinum YIM 102701-2 T (with 93.3% similarity) and F. cucumis R2A45-3 T (with 93.1% similarity). Digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values were calculated to assess the genetic distance between strain CC-SYL302T and its closest relatives, with mean values of 21.3% for F. tangerinum and 20.4% for F. cucumis. Strain CC-SYL302T exhibited the highest orthologous average nucleotide identity (OrthoANI) values with members of the Flavobacterium genus, ranging from 67.2 to 72.1% (n = 22). The dominating cellular fatty acids (> 5%) included iso-C14:0, iso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, iso-C15:0 3-OH, iso-C17:0 3-OH, C16:1 ω6c/C16:1 ω7c and C16:0 10-methyl/iso-C17:1 ω9c. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid, an unidentified aminophospholipid, and nine unidentified polar lipids. The genome (2.7 Mb) contained 33.6% GC content, and the major polyamines were putrescine and sym-homospermidine. Strain CC-SYL302T exhibits distinct phylogenetic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic characteristics, as well as unique results in comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence, OrthoANI, dDDH, and phylogenomic placement. Therefore, it is proposed that this strain represents a new species of the Flavobacterium genus, for which the name Flavobacterium agricola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-SYL302T (= BCRC 81320 T = JCM 34764 T).

Genomic potential for exopolysaccharide production and differential polysaccharide degradation in closely related Alteromonas sp. PRIM-21 and Alteromonas fortis 1T.

Members of the genus Alteromonas are widely distributed in diverse marine environments and are often associated with marine organisms. Their ability to produce exopolysaccharides (EPS) and depolymerize sulfated algal polysaccharides has provided industrial importance to some species. Here, we describe the draft genome of an algae-associated strain namely, Alteromonas sp. PRIM-21 isolated from the southwest coast of India to understand the EPS biosynthetic pathways as well as polysaccharide depolymerization system in comparison to the closely related strain Alteromonas fortis 1T that shares 99.8% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Whole-genome shotgun sequencing of Alteromonas sp. PRIM-21 yielded 50 contigs with a total length of 4,638,422 bp having 43.86% GC content. The resultant genome shared 95.9% OrthoANI value with A. fortis 1 T, and contained 4125 predicted protein-coding genes, 71 tRNA and 10 rRNA genes. Genes involved in Wzx/Wzy-, ABC transporter- and synthase-dependent pathways for EPS production and secretion were common in both Alteromonas sp. PRIM-21 and A. fortis 1T. However, the distribution of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) was heterogeneous. The strain PRIM-21 harbored polysaccharide lyases for the degradation of alginate, ulvan, arabinogalactan and chondroitin. This was further validated from the culture-based assays using seven different polysaccharides. The depolymerizing ability of the bacteria may be useful in deriving nutrients from the biopolymers produced in the algal host while the EPS biosynthesis may provide additional advantages for life in the stressful marine environment. The results also highlight the genetic heterogeneity in terms of polysaccharide utilization among the closely related Alteromonas strains.

Parliament's Constitution: Legislative Disruption of Implied Repeal.

UK constitutional law establishes priority rules governing the relations among legal sources. According to the implied repeal rule, a later statute is preferred to and repeals an earlier statute where the two cannot stand together. There is a vast literature testing the rule's application in future-facing scenarios: whether Parliament in enacting legislation is capable of legally binding its successors. This article instead adopts a backward-facing perspective, focusing on past enactments. I examine Parliament's legislative power to disrupt how implied repeal applies to earlier, inconsistent statutes. This sheds light on Parliament's capacity to shape the constitution's architecture-here, by rearranging priority relations among existing statutes. I juxtapose the technique against the doctrine of constitutional statutes, and also address the implications for the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty. Nor is the technique simply of academic interest. A backward-facing reprioritising regime has already been established in the legislation governing UK withdrawal from the EU. Lastly, the argument may be generalised to encompass other legislatures that also enjoy powers to disrupt the implied repeal rule normally operating among past statutes.

Pusillimonas faecipullorum sp. nov., isolated from the poultry manure.

A polyphasic taxonomic approach was used to characterize a novel bacterium, designated strain CC-YST705T, isolated from poultry manure sampled in Taiwan. Cells of strain CC-YST705T were aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming rods, displaying positive reactions for catalase, oxidase and ß-glucosidase. Optimal growth occurred at 30 °C and pH 8. Strain CC-YST705T shared the highest (> 96.0%) pair-wise 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Pusillimonas noertemannii (96.7%), followed by Pusillimonas caeni (96.6%), Eoetvoesia caeni (96.1%) and Paracandidimonas soli (96.0%), and formed a distinct phyletic lineage associate with the clade that accommodated Pusillimonas species. The draft genome (3.1 Mb) having 57.4 mol % G + C content contained genes involved in the catabolism of aromatic hydrocarbons. The orthologous average nucleotide identity (OrthoANI) values were 62.8-73.1% (n = 8), 72.6 (n = 1), 71.5% (n = 1) compared within the type strains of the genera Pusillimonas, Eoetvoesia and Paracandidimonas, respectively. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified aminolipid, two unidentified phospholipids and five unidentified lipids. The major polyamine was spermidine. The dominating cellular fatty acids (> 5%) included C12:0, C16:0, C17:0 cyclo, C19:0 cyclo ω8c and 2 C14:0 3OH/iso-C16:1 I. Based on its distinct phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic traits together with results of comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence, OrthoANI, digital DDH, and the phylogenomic placement, strain CC-YST705T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Pusillimonas, for which the name Pusillimonas faecipullorum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-YST705T (= BCRC 81285 T = JCM 34168 T).

Niabella agricola sp. nov., isolated from paddy soil.

A polyphasic taxonomic approach was used to characterize a Gram-stain-negative, orange-coloured bacterium (designated strain CC-SYL272T) isolated from paddy soil. Cells were observed to be strictly aerobic, non-motile and non-spore-forming rods, exhibiting positive catalase and oxidase. Strain CC-SYL272T was found to grow optimally at 20-40 °C, pH 6.0-8.0 and NaCl 0-2 % (w/v). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain CC-SYL272T belongs to the genus Niabella, family Chitinophagaceae, and is most closely related to Niabella pedocola (97.8 %) followed by Niabella drilacis (97.2 %) and established a distinct taxonomic lineage associated with these species. The highest orthologous average nucleotide identity (OrthoANI) values were recorded for strain CC-SYL272T versus Niabella species (69.1-83.5 %, n=8). The mean digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) value obtained for strain CC-SYL272T against N. pedocola was 27.3 %. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine and five unidentified lipids. The major polyamines were putrescine and sym-homospermidine. The dominating cellular fatty acids (>5 %) included iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C17 : 0 3OH and C16 : 1 ω6c/C16 : 1 ω7c. The draft genome (6.25 Mb) of strain CC-SYL272T spanned three contigs having 47.1 mol% DNA G+C content, 5087 protein-encoding genes, 10 rRNA genes and 44 tRNA genes. The genome harboured genes involved in the depolymerization of both animal and plant polysaccharides. Based on its distinct phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic traits together with results of comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence, OrthoANI, dDDH and the phylogenomic placement, strain CC-SYL272T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Niabella, affiliated to the family Chitinophagaceae, for which the name Niabella agricola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-SYL272T (=BCRC 81319T=JCM 34758T).

Agrilactobacillus fermenti sp. nov. isolated from fermented vegetable residue.

A polyphasic taxonomic approach was used to characterize a Gram-stain-positive fermentative bacterium, designated strain CC-MHH1034T, isolated from a fermented vegetable residue. Cells of strain CC-MHH1034T were facultatively anaerobic, non-motile, and non-spore-forming rods, exhibiting positive catalase, oxidase and protease activities. Optimal growth occurred at 30 °Ð¡ and pH 6.0. Strain CC-MHH1034T shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with Agrilactobacillus composti (95.9 %) followed by Agrilactobacillus yilanensis (95.1 %) and established a distinct taxonomic lineage associated with these species. Highest orthologous average nucleotide identity (OrthoANI) values were recorded for strain CC-MHH1034T versus Agrilactobacillus (71.1-71.6 %, n=2) followed by Ligilactobacillus (66.5-66.8 %, n=2), Lactobacillus (64.1-65.8 %, n=4). The mean digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) value obtained for strain CC-MHH1034T against Agrilactobacillus was 19.2-19.5 % (n=2). The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified aminolipids, four unidentified glycolipids, four unidentified phospholipids and one unidentified lipid. The major polyamine was sym-homospermidine and meso-diaminopimelic acid was detected as the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The dominating cellular fatty acids (>5 %) included C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and C18 : 1 ω9c. Based on its distinct phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic traits together with results of comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence, OrthoANI, dDDH, and the phylogenomic placement, strain CC-MHH1034T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Agrilactobacillus, affiliated to the family Lactobacillaceae, for which the name Agrilactobacillus fermenti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-MHH1034T (=BCRC 81220T=JCM 33476T).

Phenotypic and genetic diversity of domestic yak (Bos grunniens) in high-altitude rangelands of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.

Due to climate change, irrigated agriculture may become restricted in the mountain valleys in northern Pakistan in the future. Hence, the importance of yak (Bos grunniens) keeping in the mountain ranges as risk-mitigating strategy for mountain dwellers will potentially increase. However, little is known about the current status of the domestic yak in this region. We therefore used phenotypic characteristics and 13 microsatellite loci to determine the phenotypic differences and the level of genetic differentiation between populations of six valleys. Larger body measures and partially different physical appearance were observed in Shimshal and Khaplu yaks, especially when compared with yaks in the Chapurson valley. Overall, the mean observed heterozygosity was similar to the mean expected heterozygosity. Average genetic diversity was highest in the Hopar population and lowest in the Haramosh population. A low FIS value indicated that individuals were less related than expected under a model of random mating. Three distinct genetic clusters were found for the six yak populations under study. Genetic distances were largest between Shimshal and Khaplu populations, and lowest between populations of Phandar and Hopar. It is concluded that yaks of Shimshal, Khaplu and Haramosh valleys were genetically distinct from yak populations in Chapurson, Hopar and Phandar valleys, indicating that the free-range conditions and pastoral yak rearing system in the region have preserved the underlying genetic diversity of the yak populations.

Vineibacter terrae gen. nov., sp. nov., an ammonium-assimilating and nitrate-reducing bacterium isolated from vineyard soil.

A polyphasic taxonomic approach was used to characterize a Gram-stain-negative bacterium, designated strain CC-CFT640T, isolated from vineyard soil sampled in Taiwan. Cells of strain CC-CFT640T were aerobic, non-motile, nitrate-reducing rods. Test results were positive for catalase, oxidase and proteinase activities. Optimal growth occurred at 30 °Ð¡ and pH 7. Strain CC-CFT640T showed highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to members of the genus Enhydrobacter (90.0 %, n=1) followed by Hypericibacter (89.4-90.0 %, n=2), Reyranella (88.8-89.8 %, n=5) and Nitrospirillum (89.2-89.4 %, n=2), and formed a distinct phyletic lineage distantly associated with the clade that predominately accommodated Reynerella species. The DNA G+C composition of the genome (2.1 Mb) was 67.9 mol%. Genes involved in the reduction of nitrate to nitrite, nitric oxide and nitrous oxide were found. In addition, genes encoding dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia, ammonium transport and ammonium assimilation were also detected. Average nucleotide identity values were 73.3 % (n=1), 74.0-74.6 % (n=2), 67.5-68.3 % (n=2) when compared within the type strains of the genera Enhydrobacter, Reyranella and Niveispirillum, respectively. The dominant cellular fatty acids (>5 %) included C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 1 ω10c, C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c, C18 : 1 2-OH and C18 : 1 ω7c/C18 : 1 ω6c. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, three unidentified aminolipids, three unidentified phospholipids and an unidentified aminophospholipid. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone 10 and the major polyamine was spermidine. Based on its distinct phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic traits together with results of comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing, digital DNA-DNA hybridization, average nucleotide identity and phylogenomic placement, strain CC-CFT640T is considered to represent a novel genus and species of the family Rhodospirillaceae, for which the name Vineibacter terrae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-CFT640T (=BCRC 81219T=JCM 33507T).

Aeromicrobium terrae sp. nov., isolated from a maize field.

A polyphasic taxonomic approach was used to characterize a Gram-stain-positive bacterium, designated strain CC-CFT486T, isolated from soil sampled in a maize field in Taiwan. Cells of strain CC-CFT486T were short rods, motile with polar flagella, catalase-positive and oxidase-positive. Optimal growth occurred at 30 °Ð¡, pH 8 and 1 % NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA genes revealed a distinct taxonomic position attained by strain CC-CFT486T associated with Aeromicrobium panacisoli (97.0 % sequence identity), Aeromicrobium lacus (97.0 %), Aeromicrobium erythreum (96.8 %) and Aeromicrobium alkaliterrae (96.8 %), and lower sequence similarity values to other species. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) values were 70.6-77.8 % (n=11) compared within the type strains of the genus Aeromicrobium. Strain CC-CFT486T contained C16 : 0, C17 : 0, C17 : 1 ω8c and C18 : 1 ω9c as the predominant fatty acids. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, two unidentified aminophospholipids and three unknown phospholipids. The cell wall peptidoglycan of strains CC-CFT486T contained ll-diaminopimelic acid (ll-DAP) and the major polyamine was spermidine. The DNA G+C content was 70.6 mol% and the predominant quinone was menaquinone 9 (MK-9). Based on its distinct phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic traits together with results of comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence and ANI analyses, strain CC-CFT486T is proposed to represent a novel Aeromicrobium species, for which the name Aeromicrobium terrae sp. nov. (type strain CC-CFT486T=BCRC 81217T=JCM 33499T).

Description of Devosia faecipullorum sp. nov., harboring antibiotic- and toxic compound-resistace genes, isolated from poultry manure.

A polyphasic taxonomic approach was used to characterize a Gram-stain-negative bacterium, designated strain CC-YST696T, harbouring antibiotic- and toxic compound-resistace genes, isolated from poultry manure in Taiwan. Cells of CC-YST696T were short rods, motile with polar flagella, catalase- and oxidase-positive. Optimal growth occurred at 30 °Ð¡, pH 9 and with 1 % NaCl. The results of phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA genes revealed a distinct taxonomic position attained by CC-YST696T associated with Devosia chinhatensis (97.9 % sequence identity), Devosia riboflavina (97.3 %) and Devosia indica (97.2 %), and with lower sequence similarity values to other species. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) values were 72.8-80.0 % (n=17) compared within the type strains of species of of the genus Devosia. CC-YST696T contained C16:0, C18:0, C18:1ω7c 11-methyl and C18:1ω6c/ C18:1ω7c as the predominant fatty acids. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified aminolipids, three unidentified glycolipids, two unidentified phospholipids and three unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content was 62.2 mol% and the predominant quinone was ubiquinone Q-10. On the basis of its distinct phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic traits together with results of comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence and ANI analyses, strain CC-YST696T is proposed to represent a novel species of the genus Devosia, for which the name Devosia faecipullorum sp. nov. (type strain CC-YST696T=BCRC 81284T=JCM 34167T) is proposed.

Zeimonas arvi gen. nov., sp. nov., of the family Burkholderiaceae, harboring biphenyl- and phenolic acid-metabolizing genes, isolated from a long-term ecological research field.

A polyphasic taxonomic approach was used to characterize a Gram-stain-negative bacterium, designated strain CC-CFT501T, harboring xenobiotic- and allelochemical-metabolizing genes, isolated from a long-term ecological research field in Taiwan. Cells of strain CC-CFT501T were catalase- and oxidase-positive, non-motile and short rods. Optimal growth occurred at 30 °C, pH 8 and 1% NaCl. Strain CC-CFT501T was found to share high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with the members of genera Quisquiliibacterium (94.3%, n = 1), Pandoraea (93.4-94.0%, n = 23) and Paraburkholderia (93.3-94.0%, n = 9), affiliated to the family Burkholderiaceae. Strain CC-CFT501T shared 76.4% orthologous average nucleotide identity (OrthoANI) and 20.9% digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values with Quisquiliibacterium transsilvanicum DSM 29781T. Draft genome sequence (3.83 Mb) of strain CC-CFT501T revealed several genes encoding the proteins involved in biphenyl and phenolic acid metabolism. Fatty acid profile contained C16:0, C18:0, C10:0 3-OH, C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c and C18:1 ω7c/C18:1 ω6c in predominant amounts. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, thirteen unidentified amino lipids, two unidentified phospholipids and two unidentified glycolipids. The major polyamine was spermidine and ubiquinone Q-8 was the sole respiratory quinone. The DNA G + C content was 70.0 mol%. Based on its distinct phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic traits together with results of comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence, ANI and dDDH analyses, strain CC-CFT501T is considered to represent a novel genus and species of the family Burkholderiaceae, for which the name Zeimonas arvi gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is CC-CFT501T (= BCRC 81218T = JCM 33506T).

Description of Gemmobacter aestuarii sp. nov., isolated from estuarine surface water and reclassification of Cereibacter changlensis as Gemmobacter changlensis Chen et al. 2013.

A Gram-stain-negative, tyrosine-metabolizing, non-motile, strictly aerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped marine bacterium, designated strain CC-PW-75T, was isolated from the estuarine water off Pintung, Taiwan. Strain CC-PW-75T formed a distinct phyletic lineage associated with Gemmobacter species, sharing the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with G. megaterium CF17T and G. straminiformis CAM-8T (96.0% each) followed by G. aquatilis IFAM 1031T and G. nectariphilus AST4T (95.8% each). Analysis of the draft genome (3.76 Mbp) revealed the presence of genes encoding light-harvesting complexes, photosynthetic reaction centers and proteins involved in the metabolism of CO, CO2, HCO3‒ and H2S. However, bacteriochlorophyll a was not detected. Average nucleotide identity values between the genome sequence of CC-PW-75T and the related Gemmobacter species (n = 6) were estimated to be 72.8-76.3%. Polar lipid analysis revealed the presence of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified lipid in major amounts, and phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, an unidentified aminolipid and an unidentified lipid in minor amounts. C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c, C18:0 and C18:1ω7c 11-methyl were identified to be major fatty acids. The DNA G + C content was 66.2 mol% (draft genome sequence). Ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) was the sole respiratory quinone. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic evidence, CC-PW-75T is most likely a novel species of the genus Gemmobacter, affiliated to the family Rhodobacteraceae, for which the name Gemmobacter aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-PW-75T (= JCM 19754T = BCRC 80759T). Also, we propose the reclassification of Cereibacter changlensis as Gemmobacter changlensis Chen et al. 2013 using the polyphasic data presented in this study.

Cerasibacillus terrae sp. nov., isolated from maize field, and emended description of Cerasibacillus quisquiliarum Nakamura et al. 2004.

A polyphasic taxonomic approach was used to characterize a Gram-stain-positive bacterium, designated strain CC-CFT480T, isolated from soil sampled in a maize field in Taiwan, ROC. Cells of strain CC-CFT480T were rod-shaped, motile with polar flagella, catalase-positive and oxidase-positive. Optimal growth occurred at 30 °Ð¡, pH 8 and 3 % NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA genes revealed a distinct taxonomic position attained by strain CC-CFT480T associated with Cerasibacillus quisquiliarum (97.2 % sequence identity), Virgibacillus soli (95.7 %), Virgibacillus carmonensis (95.4 %) and Virgibacillus byunsanensis (95.2 %), and lower sequence similarity values to other species. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain CC-CFT480T and C. quisquiliarum were 74.2 and 20.1 %, respectively. Strain CC-CFT480T contained iso-C15:0, C16:1 ω7c alcohol and iso-C17:1 ω10c as the predominant fatty acids. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, two unknown aminophospholipids, one uncharacterized aminophospholipid and two unknown phospholipids. The major polyamine was spermidine. The DNA G+C content was 34.8 mol% and the predominant quinone was menaquinone 7 (MK-7). Based on its distinct phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic traits together with results of comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence, ANI and dDDH analyses, strain CC-CFT480T is proposed to represent a novel Cerasibacillus species, for which the name Cerasibacillus terrae sp. nov. (type strain CC-CFT480T=BCRC 81216T=JCM 33498T).

Allorhizobium terrae sp. nov., isolated from paddy soil, and reclassification of Rhizobium oryziradicis (Zhao et al. 2017) as Allorhizobium oryziradicis comb. nov.

A polyphasic taxonomic approach was used to characterize a nitrogen-fixing bacterium, designated strain CC-HIH110T, isolated from paddy soil in Taiwan. Cells of strain CC-HIH110T were Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, motile with polar flagella, catalase-positive and oxidase-positive. Optimal growth occurred at 30 °Ð¡, pH 7 and 1 % NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA genes revealed a distinct taxonomic position attained by strain CC-HIH110T associated with Rhizobium oryziradicis (98.4 % sequence identity), Allorhizobium vitis (97.8 %), Allorhizobium taibaishanense (97.7 %) and Allorhizobium undicola (96.0 %), and lower sequence similarity to other species. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain CC-HIH110T and the type strains of other closely related species were 71.5-88.6 % and 19.6-35.5 %, respectively. Strain CC-HIH110T contained C16 : 0 3-OH, C14 : 0 3-OH/iso C16 : 1 I and C18 : 1 ω7c/C18  : 1 ω6c as the predominant fatty acids. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, three unknown aminophospholipids, two unknown phospholipids and an unknown lipid. The major polyamine was homospermidine. The DNA G+C content was 55.0 mol% and the predominant quinone was ubiquinone (Q-10). Based on its distinct phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic traits together with results of comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence, ANI and dDDH analyses, strain CC-HIH110T is proposed to represent a novel Allorhizobium species, for which the name Allorhizobium terrae sp. nov. (type strain CC-HIH110T=BCRC 80932T=JCM 31228T). In addition, Rhizobium oryziradicis is reclassified as Allorhizobium oryziradicis (type strain N19T=ACCC 19962T=KCTC 52413T) comb. nov.

Flavobacterium supellecticarium sp. nov., isolated from an abandoned construction timber.

A bacterial strain CC-CTC003T was isolated from a synthetic wooden board. Cells of strain CC-CTC003T were Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, motile by gliding and formed yellow colonies. Optimal growth occurred at 25 °C, pH 7 and in the presence of 1 % NaCl. The phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA genes revealed that strain CC-CTC003T belonged to the genus Flavobacterium and was most closely related to Flavobacterium cerinum (95.3 % sequence identity), Flavobacterium maris (94.9 % sequence identity), Flavobacterium qiangtangense (94.8 %) and Flavobacterium subsaxonicum (94.7 %) and had less than 94.7 % sequence similarity to other members of the genus. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain CC-CTC003T and the type strains of other closely related species were 70.1-74.1 %. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) with F. cerinum was 19.4 %. Strain CC-CTC003T contained C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω6c / C16 : 1 ω7c) and summed feature 9 (C16 : 0 10-methyl / iso-C17 : 1 ω9c) as the predominant fatty acids. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, four uncharacterized aminophospholipids, two aminolipids and one unidentified glycolipid. The major polyamine was sym-homospermidine and contained MK-6 as major isoprenoid quinone. The DNA G+C content of the genomic DNA was 39.2 mol%. On the basis of the phylogenetic inference and phenotypic data, strain CC-CTC003T should be classified as a novel species, for which the name Flavobacterium supellecticarium sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-CTC003T (=BCRC 81146T=JCM 32838T).

Cohnella fermenti sp. nov., isolated from a fermentation process.

A novel Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, motile with peritrichous flagella, rod-shaped bacterium, designated CC-MHH1044T, was isolated from a preserved vegetable sample. A polyphasic taxonomic approach was applied to the isolates in order to clarify its taxonomic position. Growth of the strain CC-MHH1044T occurred at 15-50 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and with 0-2.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1 %, w/v). The genome of strain CC-MHH1044T consisted of 8.5 Mb and the genomic DNA G+C content was 58.5 mol%. Comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that CC-MHH1044T belonged to the genus Cohnella and showed a close relationship with the type strains of Cohnella damuensis (96.2 %) and Cohnella panacarvi (95.9 %), and lower sequence similarity to other species. Average nucleotide identity values calculated from whole-genome sequencing data proved that CC-MHH1044T represents a distinct Cohnella species. The dominant cellular fatty acids (>5 %) included iso-C14 : 0(7.4 %), iso-C15 : 0 (6.4 %), anteiso-C15 : 0(40.3 %), C16 : 0 (6.6 %) and iso-C16 : 0 (27.0 %). The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, four unidentified aminophospholipids, one unidentified phospholipid and glycolipid. The major polyamine was spermidine. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was menaqinone 7 (MK-7). Based on its distinct phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic traits, together with results of comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence, average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization analyses, we conclude that strain CC-MHH1044T represents a novel member of the genus Cohnella, for which the name Cohnella fermenti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-MHH1044T (=BCRC 81147T=JCM 32834T).